Frame structure for glass or solid panel walls

ABSTRACT

A frame structure for glass or solid wall panels providing for the arrangement of the glass or other type panels in a common plane an in such manner as to prevent lateral movement thereof due to vibrations caused by traffic movement, wind pressures, and other factors, minimizing the framing profile and the number of parts comprising the structure by providing a single frame element and panel retention means of unique design for fabricating all parts of a frame structure.

United States Patent Inventor Ellis V. Eichman Irving, Tex. (790Fruitdale Road, Brownsville, Tex. 78520) Appl. No. 867,230

Filed Oct. 17, 1969 Patented May 25, 1971 FRAME STRUCTURE FOR GLASS 0RSOLID PANEL WALLS 8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl 52/397, 52/235, 52/476, 52/732 Int. Cl E04b 2/88 Field of Search52/397- [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,140,763 7/1964Edelstein 52/397 3,403,491 10/1968 Eichman 52/476 3,475,870 11/1969Birum 52/732 Primary ExaminerJohn E. Murtagh Attorney-Cecil L. WoodABSTRACT: A frame structure for glass or solid wall panels providing forthe arrangement of the glass or other type panels in a common plane anin such manner as to prevent lateral movement thereof due to vibrationscaused by traffic movement, wind pressures, and other factors,minimizing the framing profile and the number of parts comprising thestructure by providing a single frame element and panel retention meansof unique design for fabricating all parts of a frame structure.

PATENTED mes Ian SHEET1UF4 Wifl 'f 37 'INVENTOR.

EIIIS V. Elch man BY A TTORNE Y PATENTEnnAYzslsn 3579.939

IN VENTOR.

Fig-4 Ellis v. Eichmcm ATTORNEY PATENTED W25 I97! 31575939 saw u or 4 343 45 Q In 33 "I///// INVENTOR Ellis V.Eichm0n H98 duff/Lar y ATTORNEY FRSTRUCTURE FOR GLASS R SOLID PANEL WALLS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONArchitectural framing for glass and solid wall panels, such as used inthe erection of building facades or curtain walls, has been employed fora number years in a variety of forms, the most common of which involvesthe use of aluminum extrusions of various cross-sectional configurationsdefining longitudinal channels, grooves, and other accommodations forreceiving the marginal edges of glass or architectural panels, andsealing elements, and in the main such structures comprise frarningmembers especially adapted for certain areas thereof, i.e., headers,mullions, sills, and the like, thus needlessly multiplying the number ofparts required in the installation resulting in nonessential increasedcosts in material and consequential increased labor costs due to thenecessity for the preparation and proper location of the several framingelements having difierent cross-sectional designs.

Such conventional wall structures are generally of such character thatthe frame profile presents a bulky appearance due to the variety ofshapes of the retaining elements and the arrangement of theaccommodations therefor.

The invention is designed to materially minimize the number of parts ofdifferent cross-sectional configurations required in such framestructures, providing an extrusion capable of embodiment therein at allmarginal portions of the frame structure and a uniform retention elementfor mating therewith, each having corresponding grooves for receivingvinyl sealing strips.

SUMMARY This invention relates to framing structures for glass andarchitectural wall panels in the erection of building facades andcurtain walls, and has reference to subject matter described in my U.S.Pat. No. 3,403,491, dated Oct. 1, 1968.

A prime object of the invention resides in the provision of a framestructure for glazed or solid panel walls in which the panels can beadequately secured in place while substantially minimizing the lateraland depth dimensions of the frame members so as to present a profilewhich is aesthetically attractive and which can be produced and erectedat a minimum of expense.

Another object of the invention is that of providing a glazed or paneledframe structure comprising a single extrusion, of aluminum or othersuitable material, complemented by a tensile retention element forsecuring the panels in position in a common plane, and providing meansfor stabilizing the panels, particularly glazing panels, to preventlateral movement thereof in the frame which could be caused by wind orby vibrations resulting from traffic movements, and the like.

Broadly, the invention seeks to provide a frame structure for glazed orsolid panel walls which, by reason of its simplicity of design, can bequickly and easily installed and in which the panels can be set andsecured with a minimum of effort, obviating the necessity for mechanicalhoisting or handling equipment usually required in the installation ofsuch panels, especially glass panels, in conventional frames for likepurposes.

While the foregoing objects are paramount, other and lesser objects willbecome apparent as the description proceeds, when considered inconnection with the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view showing a typical frame installationembodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view, on line 2-2 of FIG. 1,showing the configurations of the primary extrusion embodying theinvention, and the complementary retention device, a glass panel beingfragmentarily shown.

FIG. 3 is another enlarged sectional view, on line 3-3 of FIG. 1,fragmentarily showing a pair of glass panels aligned in superposedrelation in a horizontal divisional frame member, or header.

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FIG. 4 is still another enlarged sectional view, on line 4-4 of FIG. 1,showing the embodiment of the invention in a sill portion of the frame,a glass panel being fragmentarily shown installed therein.

FIG. 5 is yet another enlarged sectional view, on line 5-5 of FIG. 1,showing the embodiment of the invention as a vertical divisional framemember, and fragmentarily showing a pair of horizontally aligned glasspanels supported therein.

FIG. 6 is another enlarged sectional view, on line 6-6 of FIG. 1,showing the invention as applied to a vertical marginal frame member andfragmentarily showing a glass panel supported therein.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the extrusionembodying the invention, and including an integral screw boss formedinternally with a plurality of spaced contact ribs, and

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view through the screwboss, shown in FIG. 7, showing the manner of threading a screwthereinto.

The invention primarily comprises an extruded bar 10 of aluminum, orother suitable materials, having a plurality of configurations intransverse section defining channels and grooves for receiving themarginal edges of plate glass panels 11, or conventional architecturalpanels, and sealing strips 12, as well as tensile retention devices 13for the panels 11.

The obvious advantage in utilizing the extruded bar 10 is the ease withwhich an entire frame structure can be fabricated, each member thereofhaving a common cross-sectional configuration adapted to provide thenecessary vertical and horizontal channels to receive the panels 11, thesealing strips 12 and the retaining element 13, in the manner shown inthe several illustrations.

The bar 10 may be formed in any desired length to be cut to the requireddimension, and by reason of its unique form can be embodied into atypical frame structure, such as shown in FIG. 1, in any vertical orhorizontal arrangement and properly related to companion members of theassembly.

The cross-sectional form of the bar 10 is best illustrated in FIG. 7 andis defined by a facing or mounting portion 14 having a planar web 15formed therewith and extending perpendicularly therefrom approximatelyintermediate the edges thereof, defining opposing flanges 16 and 17 oneach side of the web 15, the latter having an integral right-angularbody portion 18 extending therefrom parallel to and coextensive with theflange 17 of the portion 14 defining a channel 19 therebetween, a secondweb 20 being formed with the body portion 18 and extending therefrom ina plane parallel to that of the web 15, terminating in a right-angularwall 21 opposing the body portion 18 to define a second channel 22approximating the depth of the first channel 19 and in opposingarrangement therewith.

The flange 16 of the portion 14, whose lateral dimension is slightlygreater than the flange 17, is formed internally with a dovetail groove23 which is formed between a pair of ribs 24 and 25 longitudinally ofthe flange l6, and near the outer edge thereof. Like grooves 26 areformed between the ribs 27 and 28 internally of each opposing wall ofthe channel 19, the grooves 23 and 26 providing means for retaining thesealing strips 12 on each surface of a panel 11 supported in thechannels 19 and 22, in the manner shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, inclusive.

A groove 30 is formed in the internal surface of the outer wall 21 nearits outer edge to receive one engaging flange 31 of the resilientretention member 13 for the panels 11, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6,inclusive, while the opposing engaging flange 32 of the member 13 isreceived in a groove 33 formed longitudinally of the body portion 18within the channel 22 between the contiguous extension 34 along the web15 and a rib 35 spaced therefrom toward the web 20. The retention member13 is substantially angular C-shaped in transverse section and maycomprise an aluminum extrusion, or formed of other suitable materials,having the required tensility or resilience.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, inclusive, the retention member 13 is formedwith a pair of ribs 36 and 37 along one of its narrower walls 38, therib 37 being coextensive with the outer wall 39, to fonn a dovetailgroove 40 to receive a sealing strip 12 in-opposing relation to a likestrip in one of the dovetail grooves 23 and 26, as shown in FIGS. 2 to6, inclusive. The engaging flanges 31 and 32 of the retention member 13are formed with the narrower wall portions 41 and 42 thereof, oppositethe outer wall 39 and which define the open side of the .C-shapedstructure, and spaced from the wall portions 41 and 42 by relativelynarrow webs 43 and 44 forming opposing channels 45 and 46 which receivethe contiguous extension 34 of the web 15 and the spline 47 whichdefines the outermost side of the groove 30 in the outer wall 21.

The principal elements of the invention, therefore, are the extruded barand the retention member 13 which may also be extruded. As indicatedthese members can be assembled in a variety of arrangements to supportthe panels along all marginal edges, as depicted in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6,and in planar alignment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view, on line 2-2 of FIG. 1, showingthe member 10 installed horizontally as a header to support the topedges of the panels 11, one of which is fragmentarily shown in section,and in this position the panel 11 is installed between the flange 16 ofthe member 10 and the wall 38 of the retention element 13 in which thegroove 40 is formed, sealing strips 12 having been arranged in thegrooves 23 and 40 and which are preferably formed of vinyl plasticmaterials and tubular in transverse section, having an integraldovetail-shaped rib 12a formed longitudinally thereof to be conformablyreceived in the dovetail grooves.

In the typical installation shown in FIG. 2 the member 10 is secured byscrews 48, arranged through apertures 50 in the web 20, to the lintelportion 51 of the building structure, shown in fragmentary section inFIG. 2, and which may be of concrete or other form, a wooden pallet 52being interposed between the member 10 and the lintel portion 51, ifdesired, and providing some type of screw retaining block 53 embedded inthe concrete structure. In this installation (FIG. 2) the channel 19 isnot utilized but faces the pallet 52.

FIG. 3 shows the members 10 and 13 as applied in a horizontal positionfor supporting vertically arranged panels 11, and is a sectional view online 3-3 of FIG. 1. Such arrangement may be employed in an installationrequiring a spandrel or upper narrower panel, or where a plurality ofsuperposed panels are found desirable. Installed in this manner themember 10 is attached to a horizontal supporting element 54 by thescrews 48 through the flange 16 so that the channel 19 is faceddownwardly to receive the upper edges of the lower panels 11, the loweredges of the upper panels 11 being supported on the web in thechannel-shaped space defined between the flange l6 and the retentionmember 13, and between the sealing strips 12 in the grooves of therespective members.

FIG. 4, which is a fragmentary sectional view on line 4-4 of FIG. 1,shows a typical base installation in which the member 10 is attachedhorizontally to the sill portion 55 of the opening, the member 10 beingsecured thereto in a manner similar to that in which it is applied tothe lintel portion 51, as indicated in FIG. 2, the panel 11 beingsupported on the web 15 and between the flange 16 and the retentionmember 13 and in the same manner as that of the panel 11 illustrated inFIG. 3.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 5, which is a transverse sectional viewthrough the mullion assembly, on line 5-5 of FIG. 1, the member 10 isattached by screws 48 through the flange 16 to a supporting element 54so that the panels 11 are aligned in a common horizontal plane in thesame manner as the panels 11 in FIG. 3 are aligned in a common verticalplane, the relationship of the members 10 and 13 being identical in botharrangements although in different planes.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in transverse section on line 6-6 of FIG. I, a jambor stile assembly wherein the member 10 is attached by screws 48 to awall or column 56 defining one vertical side ofv the opening. The mannerof attachment is similar to that shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the panel 11being supported between the flange l6 and the retention member 13, thesealing strip 12 being applied in the same manner.

The panels 11 can be installed with a minimum of effort in any of themarginal supports by first seating one marginal edge of the panel intothe channel 19, formed between the body portion 18 and the flange 17 ofthe member 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, after the innermostsealing strips 12 are arranged in the grooves 23 and 26, and then movingthe opposing marginal edges of the panel 11 against the strips 12 in thegrooves 23 in the flange l6 and applying the resilient retention member13 thereto after inserting the sealing strips 12 into the grooves 40therein, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Since the sealing strips 12 applied to the exterior surface of thepanels 11 should be inserted into their grooves 26 after the panels arepositioned in the channel 19 their application can be expedited bymodifying the strips 12 by chamfering one side of the longitudinal ribor spline 12a formed therewith and dovetail shaped in transverse sectionto conform to the dovetail shape of the grooves 23, 26 and 40, asindicated in FIGS. 3 and 5. The modified rib 12b can be easily insertedinto its respective groove after the panel 11 is arranged in the channel19.

One of the unique features of the invention is that of providing meansfor restraining the panels 11 from lateral movements in their framesoccasioned by vibrations caused by wind, traffic movement, or otherfactors, and this is accomplished by edge blocking the panels 11, orinstalling strips or blocks 56 of wood, or other materials having somedegree of resilience, along the vertical and supported edges of thepanels, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6. These elements can bepositioned against the web 15 between the flange 16 and the retentionmember 13, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, and also in the channel 19if desired.

Arranged in horizontal positions, the extruded member 10 may be providedwith drain holes 57 spaced along the base of the wall Zll, as shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and 7, to drain off water which may accumulate in the channel22 due to precipitation or condensation.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a modified form of the extruded bar 10 in which isprovided a longitudinal screw boss formed with the web 20, shownfragmentarily in transverse section in FIG. 8, comprising a pair ofspaced ribs 58 whose inner faces are arcuate, defining therebetween asubstantially circular bore 59, the ribs 58 having longitudinalembossments 60 formed therewith and directed inwardly into the bore 59which has a similar longitudinal boss 61 formed therein, the bosses 60and 61 being equidistantly spaced to receive a self-threading screw 62,in the manner shown in FIG. 8, for joining the member 10 to suitablesupporting devices.

The embossments 60 and 61 provide a plurality of contact points for thethreads of the screw 62 whereby the latter can form its own threads withlesser friction and driving effort than would be encountered if the bore59 should be formed with a smooth inner wall. The ribs 58 have somedegree of yieldability so that the driven screw 61 will force them apartand exert some tension thereon to aid in preventing loosening of thescrew 62 due to vibration or other factors.

The invention as shown and described may obviously be modified instructure and design without departing from the spirit and intentthereof.

I claim:

1. In a frame structure for glass or architectural wall panels, aunitary combination comprising an extrusion of indeterminate length anda resilient retention element for said panels, the said extrusion havinga transverse sectional configuration defined by a facing portion in oneplane having a web formed coextensively with and perpendicular to onesurface thereof between its longitudinal edges, forming first and secondopposing right-angular flanges (I. each side of said web, a rightangularbody portion formed coextensively with said web near its inner edgeparallel to and spaced from said first flange defining a first channelfor receiving a marginal edge of a panel, said first flange and saidbody portion each having a longitudinal groove in said first channel, asecond web formed with and extending from said body portion beyond theinner margin of said first web, in a plane spaced from and parallelthereto, and terminating in a right-angular wall opposing said bodyportion defining a second channel opposing said first channel, the saidbody portion and said right-angular wall having longitudinal groovesinternally thereof, and a resilient retention element having meansthereon for engaging the grooves in said second channel, and in opposingrelation to the said second flange, the said retention element and saidsecond flange together defining a third channel for receiving themarginal edge of a panel.

2. in a frame structure as described in claim 1, the said resilientretention element having an angular C-shaped form in transverse section,and having a flange formed with each wall of its open side engageablewith the grooves in said second channel.

3. The frame structure described in claim 1, the said second flangehaving a longitudinal groove formed in its inner face for a sealingstrip.

4. In a frame structure as described in claim 3, the said resilientretention element having ribs formed along one of its walls defining agroove for a sealing strip opposing the groove in said second flangewhen said element is applied to said second channel.

5. The structure of claim 1, the said second web having a bore formedlongitudinally thereof intermediate its marginal edges defined by a pairof ribs, each having arcuate inner faces and having its upper edgeturned inwardly, the said bore being substantially semicircular intransverse section, and having a boss formed longitudinally thereof andspaced equidistantly from the inwardly turned upper edges of said ribs,the said bore providing a receptacle for a self-threading screw, thesaid upper edges of said ribs and said longitudinal boss' togetherforming a plurality of contacts for the threads of a screw.

6. A framing element for glass and architectural wall panels, a metalextrusion of indetenninate length characterized by a cross-sectionalconfiguration defining first and second opposingly arranged channels,each having an internal groove formed along each wall thereof, thegrooves in said first channel being dovetailed shaped for receivingsealing strips for engaging the surfaces of a panel in place therein, aflange formed in planar alignment with the outer wall of said firstchannel and opposing said outer wall thereof, and having adovetailedshaped groove formed along its inner surface for a sealingstrip, the said grooves in said second channel providing means forattaching a resilient retention element for a panel opposing saidflange.

7. The structure of claim 6, the second channel having a pair of spacedribs formed longitudinally thereof intermediate its opposing wallsdefining a substantially circular bore for receiving a self-threadingscrew in one of its ends, the said bore having a plurality ofequidistantly spaced bosses formed internally and longitudinally thereofwhich together define thread contacts for said screw.

8. The structure of claim 7, the said ribs being yieldable and havingarcuate inner faces forming the inner wall of said bore whereby thelatter is expandable under the tension imparted thereto by a screwdriven thereinto.

1. In a frame structure for glass or architectural wall panels, aunitary combination comprising an extrusion of indeterminate length anda resilient retention element for said panels, the said extrusion havinga transverse sectional configuration defined by a facing portion in oneplane having a web formed coextensively with and perpendicular to onesurface thereof between its longitudinal edges, forming first and secondopposing right-angular flanges on each side of said web, a right-angularbody portion formed coextensively with said web near its inner edgeparallel to and spaced from said first flange defining a first channelfor receiving a marginal edge of a panel, said first flange and saidbody portion each having a longitudinal groove in said first channel, asecond web formed with and extending from said body portion beyond theinner margin of said first web, in a plane spaced from and parallelthereto, and terminating in a right-angular wall opposing said bodyportion defining a second channel opposing said first channel, the saidbody portion and said right-angular wall having longitudinal groovesinternally thereof, and a resilient retention element having meansthereon for engaging the grooves in said second channel, and in opposingrelation to the said second flange, the said retention element and saidsecond flange together defining a third channel for receiving themarginal edge of a panel.
 2. In a frame structure as described in claim1, the said resilient retention element having an angular C-shaped formin transverse section, and having a flange formed with each wall of itsopen side engageable with the grooves in said second channel.
 3. Theframe structure described in claim 1, the said second flange having alongitudinal groove formed in its inner face for a sealing strip.
 4. Ina frame structure as described in claim 3, the said resilient retentionelement having ribs formed along one of its walls defining a groove fora sealing strip opposing the groove in said second flange when saidelement is applied to said second channel.
 5. The structure of claim 1,the said second web having a bore formed longitudinally thereofintermediate its marginal edges defined by a pair of ribs, each havingarcuate inner faces and having its upper edge turned inwardly, the saidbore being substantially semicircular in transverse section, and havinga boss formed longitudinally thereof and spaced equidistantly from theinwardly turned upper edges of said ribs, the said bore providing areceptacle for a self-threading screw, the said upper edges of said ribsand said longitudinal boss together forming a plurality of contacts forthe threads of a screw.
 6. A framing element for glass and architecturalwall panels, a metal extrusion of indeterminate length characterized bya cross-sectional configuration defining first and second opposinglyarranged channels, each having an internal groove formed along each wallthereof, the grooves in said first channel being dovetailed shaped forreceiving sealing strips for engaging the surfaces of a panel in placetherein, a flange formed in planar alignment with the outer wall of saidfirst channel and opposing said outer wall thereof, and having adovetailed-shaped groove formed along its inner surface for a sealingstrip, the said grooves in said second channel providing means forattaching a resilient retention element for a panel opposing saidflange.
 7. The structure of claim 6, the second channel having a pair ofspaced ribs formed longitudinally thereof intermediate its opposingwalls defining a substantially circular bore for receiving aself-threading screw in one of its ends, the said bore having aplurality of equidistantly spaced bosses formed internally andlongitudinally thereof which together define thread contacts for saidscrew.
 8. The structure of claim 7, the said ribs being yieldable andhaving arcuate inner faces forming the inner wall of said bore wherebythe latter is expandable under the tension imparted thereto by a screwdriven thereinto.